Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing at least one operation using data in a preferred data layout, while preserving the ability to access the data in an original data layout. The preferred data layout may be independent of the original data layout. The preferred data layout may be selected based on at least one of a characteristic of the data, a characteristic of the computing environment or computing device(s) implementing the computing environment, a characteristic of the at least one operation, or historical performance data. The data may be rearranged or permuted into the preferred layout. A mapping may be determined between the preferred layout and the original layout. During performance of the at least one operation using the data in the preferred layout, another operation may use the mapping to access the data in the original layout.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium of utilizing artificial lighting regulate a circadian clock of a human. By utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit wavelengths associated with human opsin absorption spectra, a device may stimulate opsins in the human. For example, the device may replicate normal sunlight (e.g., based on season or time of day) by emitting light that changes in rhythmic intensity or spectral modulation.

Abstract: A universal stringer head assembly including a cylindrical housing with an interior diameter with the geometry of a cone or wedge with a plurality of orifices passing from the exterior surface to the interior surface. Each orifice is sized and shaped to receive a fastener therethrough. Ideally, at least three orifices are equally spaced about the external circumference of the housing, facilitating the rotatable attachment of at least three fasteners to the rotatable shaft of an associated piece of lawn equipment, for example an edge trimmer.

Abstract: The present invention helps generate connected communities of students and educators through access to an increased pool of granular learning resources that benefit from standardization of formats for creating and utilizing individual discussions on individual topics. The present invention also circumvents the complexity of existing repository systems by creating a standard platform format. Because this format is de facto implemented for any educator using the platform, standardized question types (e.g., discussion types or topic types) become functionally interchangeable notwithstanding any particular individuals utilizing the invention. The interchangeability of individual topics allows for creation of a global “topic library,” which may be made available to any educator using the system.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provided an impedance-transforming arrangement comprising a plurality of microwave power transistors 41, and at least one intermediate impedance-transforming or matching device 30. The matching device comprises a plurality of elongate microwave transmission lines 31 provided in or on at least one dielectric substrate 32, extending across or through the dielectric substrate. The microwave transmission lines are coupled at one end to the gate pads 47 of the transistor and at the input ends to a signal input terminal for the transmission line. The transmission lines are substantially directly coupled to one another by means of resistive elements 35 providing a current flow path between the two transmission lines in order to reduce any residual tendency to instability caused by manufacturing variations or misalignment in the assembly process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the solicitation of user input while allowing for dynamic changes to that input while concurrently ranking the same. Ranking occurs in real-time and allows for a user to alter their contribution or vote until the close of a contribution period allowing real-time influences to be taken into account. Contributions may be provided in response to or as a part of a template driven nomination process. Solicitations of input may occur in the context of a pre-defined slate of options for voting, nominating certain options for a subsequent or concurrent voting process, or choosing/suggest more than one option such as the best of a slate of options or the individual ranking of a slate of options. Embodiments of the present invention capture all user nominations or suggestions while simultaneously providing the real-time ranking and dynamic re-ranking of those nominations or suggestions.

Abstract: A light dispersion device for providing a predictable lighting pattern comprising a Light Emitting Diode (LED) source and a lens. The lens comprising a first optical element for collecting light emitted by the LED source and refracting light into an intermediate lighting pattern, and a second optical element for collecting at least light refracted in the intermediate lighting pattern and refracting light into the predictable lighting pattern. A lens comprising a first optical element for collecting light emitted by a source of light and refracting light into an intermediate lighting pattern, and a second optical element for collecting at least light refracted in the intermediate lighting pattern and refracting light into the predictable lighting pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the solicitation of user input while allowing for dynamic changes to that input while concurrently ranking the same. Ranking occurs in real-time and allows for a user to alter their contribution or vote until the close of a contribution period allowing real-time influences to be taken into account. Contributions may be provided in response to or as a part of a template driven nomination process. Solicitations of input may occur in the context of a pre-defined slate of options for voting, nominating certain options for a subsequent or concurrent voting process, or choosing/suggest more than one option such as the best of a slate of options or the individual ranking of a slate of options. Embodiments of the present invention capture all user nominations or suggestions while simultaneously providing the real-time ranking and dynamic re-ranking of those nominations or suggestions.

Abstract: A mobile device application allows a user to participate in a collaborative discussion. The collaborative discussion may allow multiple users to collaborate in a formatted discussion on a variety of topics. The collaborative discussion may be associated with media content provided through a media reader application. A user may act as an administrator to create a collaborate discussion and configure parameters or the collaborative discussion via the user's mobile device. A user may access the media content through the media reader application and provide input to the collaborative discussion in real time. The media may include an electronic book, magazine, article or other media content. The input received from the user may include a comment, vote, brainstorm content, various collaborative engagement structures or other data. The collaborative discussion may be accessed through a mobile device application or a network browser.

Abstract: The present invention helps generate connected communities of students and educators through access to an increased pool of granular learning resources that benefit from standardization of formats for creating and utilizing individual discussions on individual topics. The present invention also circumvents the complexity of existing repository systems by creating a standard platform format. Because this format is de facto implemented for any educator using the platform, standardized question types (e.g., discussion types or topic types) become functionally interchangeable notwithstanding any particular individuals utilizing the invention. The interchangeability of individual topics allows for creation of a global “topic library,” which may be made available to any educator using the system.

Abstract: A collaborative learning service allows for a participant to create and share content for discussion with other participants in an online learning environment. Tagged content along with descriptive content regarding the tagged content is received from a participant. The content may be associated with a particular topic and/or forum. The content is published into a forum for discussion amongst participants. Following the publishing of the content to the online learning environment, participants, such as educators and students, may discuss, interact, and collaborate with one another regarding the content. The content may be stored in a library of topics for subsequent retrieval by any participant namely an educator.

Abstract: A mobile device application allows a user to participate in a collaborative discussion. The collaborative discussion may allow multiple users to collaborate in a formatted discussion on a variety of topics. The collaborative discussion may be associated with media content provided through a media reader application. A user may act as an administrator to create a collaborate discussion and configure parameters or the collaborative discussion via the user's mobile device. A user may access the media content through the media reader application and provide input to the collaborative discussion in real time. The media may include an electronic book, magazine, article or other media content. The input received from the user may include a comment, vote, brainstorm content, various collaborative engagement structures or other data. The collaborative discussion may be accessed through a mobile device application or a network browser.

Abstract: A collaborative learning service allows for a participant to create and share content for discussion with other participants in an online learning environment. Tagged content along with descriptive content regarding the tagged content is received from a participant. The content may be associated with a particular topic and/or forum. The content is published into a forum for discussion amongst participants. Following the publishing of the content to the online learning environment, participants, such as educators and students, may discuss, interact, and collaborate with one another regarding the content. The content may be stored in a library of topics for subsequent retrieval by any participant namely an educator.

Abstract: The present invention helps generate connected communities of students and educators through access to an increased pool of granular learning resources that benefit from standardization of formats for creating and utilizing individual discussions on individual topics. The present invention also circumvents the complexity of existing repository systems by creating a standard platform format. Because this format is de facto implemented for any educator using the platform, standardized question types (e.g., discussion types or topic types) become functionally interchangeable notwithstanding any particular individuals utilizing the invention. The interchangeability of individual topics allows for creation of a global “topic library,” which may be made available to any educator using the system.

Abstract: A collaborative learning service allows for a participant to create and share content for discussion with other participants in an online learning environment. Tagged content along with descriptive content regarding the tagged content is received from a participant. The content may be associated with a particular topic and/or forum. The content is published into a forum for discussion amongst participants. Following the publishing of the content to the online learning environment, participants, such as educators and students, may discuss, interact, and collaborate with one another regarding the content. The content may be stored in a library of topics for subsequent retrieval by any participant namely an educator.

Abstract: A method of treating ROP, the method comprising providing a light source emitting light with a wavelength of about 490 nra, exposing an infant's eye to the light, and monitoring the vascularization in the infant's eye.

Abstract: Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a DVR. A DVR accesses a network storage device over a network for particular portions of content not available on the DVR and the network storage device provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the storage device. Content can be provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the DVR prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.

Abstract: A light dispersion device for providing a predictable lighting pattern comprising a Light Emitting Diode (LED) source and a lens. The lens comprising a first optical element for collecting light emitted by the LED source and refracting light into an intermediate lighting pattern, and a second optical element for collecting at least light refracted in the intermediate lighting pattern and refracting light into the predictable lighting pattern. A lens comprising a first optical element for collecting light emitted by a source of light and refracting light into an intermediate lighting pattern, and a second optical element for collecting at least light refracted in the intermediate lighting pattern and refracting light into the predictable lighting pattern.

Abstract: The present system allows for online collaborative interaction(s) of various engagement types, without the need for all collaborators to necessarily be registered to or using an identical collaboration application. An interface for engaging in a collaborative environment may allow for identical functionality or a reduced set of functionality that ensures the ability to engage in fundamental online collaborative activities related to the environment. The shared collaborative environment may be accessed from a variety of different computing devices, including various mobile devices. The entire shared collaborative environment may also be embedded an a variety of other platforms and applications that benefit from the added functionality and benefits that the invention provides.

Abstract: A mobile device application allows a user to participate in a collaborative discussion. The collaborative discussion may allow multiple users to collaborate in a formatted discussion on a variety of topics. The collaborative discussion may be associated with media content provided through a media reader application. A user may act as an administrator to create a collaborate discussion and configure parameters or the collaborative discussion via the user's mobile device. A user may access the media content through the media reader application and provide input to the collaborative discussion in real time. The media may include an electronic book, magazine, article or other media content. The input received from the user may include a comment, vote, brainstorm content, various collaborative engagement structures or other data. The collaborative discussion may be accessed through a mobile device application or a network browser.